Dispensing machine



June 25, 1935.

A. LOVINGOOD DI SPENSING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1932 2 SheetsSheet 1 In uentar flttorney Filed Nov. 2, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IIIII'IIIIIIIIIIID.

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I 65 g i I 65- Inventor Patented June 25, 1935 UNITED, STATES DISPENSING MACHINE Alvin Lovingood,

Los Angeles, Calif.

Application November 2, 1932, Serial No. 640,772

2 Claims.

My invention relates to dispensing machines, and has particular reference to a machine for dispensing small, flat packages, for example, matches prepared in a book-like package.

In dispensing small packages, such as books of matches, it has been the common practice to maintain upon a counter a box or basket containing a supply of the articles which, after a few of the articles are removed, presents a disorderly appearance. It frequently occurs that the packages, such as matches, are to be dispensed free of charge so that the supply is left open to the public, permitting any one to take as many or the packages as he pleases. With such methods, however, the users are inclined to be generous with themselves, beyond their actual needs, thus requiring that a large supply of the articles, for

example books of matches, must be given away by the dispenser.

Also, the cost of such free service is some times prohibitive and it is desirable to make a small, nominal charge for individual supplies of matches, or the like.

, It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide a dispensing device for small articles in which the articles will be enclosed within a container provided with an ejector which must be manually operated in order to release one or more of the packages.

It is another object of my invention to provide a dispensing device of the character set forth in the preceding paragraph in which the operation of the ejector mechanism will permit access to only one or two packages, thus counteracting the tendency of users to obtain a greater supply than is necessary for their immediate needs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple ejector mechanism for a dispenser of the character set forth, which will not readily jam or clog.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dispensing machine for matches of the book type, in which the container may be readily loaded from the packages in which the matches are normally sold to the dealer.

Another object of the inventionis toprovide an ejector mechanism for a dispenser of the character set forth in the preceding paragraph, in which the ejector includes a plunger of wedge shape which readily permits the ejection of the foremost package, while holding the remainder of the packages in the machine, and which will present a relatively small friction surface toward the remaining packages in the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dispensing machine of the character set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in which the ejector may be locked against operation and released by the deposit of a coin in the container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a locking mechanism releasable by a coin, which is simple in construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coin controlled dispensing machine in which a coin box is maintained immediately within the housing or container of the machine and includes a coin controlled locking device cooperating with an ejection device mounted upon the front of the machine.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from a study of the following specifications, read In connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure l is a perspective view of a machine constructed in accordance with my invention, the type illustrated being a coin controlled device;

Figure 2 r is a longitudinal sectional view through the machine illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken through the ejector assembly of the machine shown in Figure 1;

Figure iis a perspective view of a modified form of the invention embodying the coin controlled mechanism;

Figure 5 is an interior elevation of the cover illustrating the ejector mechanismshown in Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is a longitudinal, vertical sectional Ziew (ghrough the machine illustrated in Figure Figure 7 is a detailed plan view of the partition mechanism employed with the locking device shown in Figure 2. I

I Referring to the drawings, I have illustrated in Figure l a dispensing machine or housing .I which is preferably in the form of an elongated, rectangular box having a width sufiicient to enclose two lines of packagesZ and 3. In the embodimentof the invention illustrated herein, the machine is adapted for the dispensing of books of matches of the type in which a pair of sheets of paper matches are bound together in a cardboard wrapper in the form of a book and the machine illustrated is of such width as to permit the books of matches to be laid side by side in a plane parallel to the front of the container 1.

The container I is illustrated as being divided horizontally by a partition 4, providing a space 5 between the partition and the base 6 of the container sufficient to receive packages of matches tal web It projecting rearwardly of the cover it,

standing on edge, the space 5 having a lateral exit 511 near the front sufficient to permit single packages to pass laterally out of the container.

The space 5 is illustrated as being divided by a vertical partition I which extends throughout the length of the machine to separate the two lines of match packages 2 and 3. The partitions 4 and 1 form a pair of elongated. chambers extending longitudinally of the machine, each of the chambers being provided with a feeding slide 8 normally urged toward the front of the machine by means of a spring 9 which may be of any suitable type, though I prefer to employ a helical compression spring bearing against the rear wall ill of the container and against the slide 8. Thus packages of matches 2, which are contained within the chambers, are normally urged toward the front of the machine so that as each package is removed the remaining packages are moved forwardly to present the next package ready for ejection.

The base 6 of the container is provided with a pair of slots extending longitudinally of the machine, one of these slots being illustrated at II in Figure 2, it being understood that there is one slot for each of the match-holding chambers. The slide 8 is illustrated as having a pin 12 secured thereto and projecting downwardly therefrom through the slot H, the outer end of the pin being provided with a suitable thumb nut l3 whichmay be tightened to hold the slide in any desired position relative to the match-receiving chamber. Thus during the loading of the machine, or during such time as it is necessary to open the front cover of the machine, the slides may be held against movement by the spring 9 by merely tightening the thumb nut l3. By referring particularly to Figure 1, it will be observed that the front of the container I is provided with a removable cover Hi, the cover M being preferably hinged to the container as is illustrated at l5 to permit the cover to swing outwardly and downwardly to expose the interior of the cover. The cover is constitutes the mounting for the ejection devices, the ejection devices comprising a plunger l6 preferably formed of sheet metal having a wedge-shaped cross section. The plunger is illustrated herein as being formed of a sheet of metal having a downturned flange ll from the upper end of which extends a horizona vertical web l9 extending downwardly from the web I8 preferably angled down and toward the front of the cover it, the lower end of the web l9 being bent forwardly into contact with the front of the cover i4 and terminating in a downwardly extending flange 2B which is parallel to the front of the cover it and in the same plane as the flange ll. 60;

By referring particularly to Figure 2, it will be observed that the plunger when so formed presents the flange 23 immediately in front of the foremost package of matches 2, while the forward bend of the web iii forms a shoulder 2| which engages the edge of the foremost package of matches.

It will be observed that the cover i4 is provided with rearwardly extending flanges 22 and 23 upon its opposite sides and also with a rearwardly extending flange 24 upon its upper edge,

nected to the plunger l6, a second bearing member being preferably provided comprising an angle bracket 26 secured to the front of the cover M and provided with openings 21 alined with the bearing openings 28 of the flange 24.

Since in the form of the invention illustrated herein, the plunger H3 is to eject two books of matches upon each operation thereof, the operating arm 25 is illustrated as being formed of U- shape, the outer ends of the U being connected to the plunger it, as is illustrated at 29, though it will be understood that the operating arm 25 may be formed of a single rod extending outwardly from the center of the plunger I6.

A pair of tension springs 30 and 3! are illustrated as connecting the plunger IS with the cover to normally urge the plungers upwardly to the position illustrated in Figure 2, these springs being employed for the purpose of returning the plunger to the upper position after each operation of the plunger.

.With the construction thus far described, the

cover M, when in closed position, presents the plunger it in the position shown in Figure 2,

ready to eject the foremost package of matches in each of the lines 2 and 3, so that by depressing .the operating arm 25, the plunger moves downwardly to press the foremost package of matches downwardly.

By referring particularly to Figure 2, it will be observed that the base 6 of the container l terminates in a downturned guide 32 at a point spaced from the cover 14 by an amount substantially equal to the thickness of one of the packages. Thus the foremost package may be readily pressed downwardly by the downward movement of the plunger.

It will also be observed that the base 6 is supported upon suitable legs 33 to such height as will insure the complete removal of the foremost package from the line of packages when the plunger descends.

As the plunger descends, pressing the foremost package downwardly, the angle web l9 will engage the succeeding package in each line and will hold the same from pressing forwardly until the plunger is again restored to its uppermost position.

By referring particularly to Figure 2, it will be observed that the cross sectional width of the plunger i6 is substantially equal to the thickness of one of the packages of matches so that the remaining packages are held in such position as to readily permit the removal of the foremost package without undue friction thereof by the remaining packages.

It will also be observed that by the angle formation of the web is of the plunger IS the contact between the plunger l6 and the succeeding packages is along a substantially narrow line, namely, the point of contact between the upper edge of the plunger is and the remaining packages, so that the frictional resistance'to the return of the plunger to its uppermost position, is minimized.

The construction thus far described may be operated with or without a coin-collecting device so that this construction may be readily employed for the dispensing of matches free of charge. If, however, it is desired to collect a nominal sum of money for a package, or a small number of packages, the plunger may be locked against downward movement until a coin is deposited in the machine.

By referring particularly to Figures 1 and 2, it

locking bolt adapted to be released only when a I coin has been deposited.

The form of the invention illustrated herein i'ncludesthe locking bolt 36 as mounted within a coin box 31, preferably the bolt 36 being slidably mounted in brackets 38 secured to the front end of the coin box so that the bolt 36 may be readily reciprocated horizontally with respect to the plunger operating arm 25. The front of the coin box 3? is illustrated as being provided with a slot 39 through which the locking lug 35 projects so that while the bolt and its operating mechanism may be retained within the coin box,

thelock 35 extends into engaging relation with the notch 34 on the operating arm 25.

The bolt 36 is illustrated as being normally urged to its right hand or looking position by means of a tension spring 40 which interconnects one end 4| of the locking bolt 36 with the side wall of the coin box 31.

By referring particularly to Figures 1 and 3, it will be observed that the box is provided near one of its sides with a coin entrance slot 42, preferably of such size as to admit a small coin or token, such as a penny. The slot 42 is illustrated as extending immediately in the rear of the front wall of the coin box so that when a coin 43 is deposited therein it slides down along the front face of the coin box in a position to engage one end of the locking bar 36 and the side of thecoin box. Thus when the coin 43 is depressed through the slot it will press the locking bar 36 to the left to a position releasing the lock 35 from the oper ating arm 25 and thus permit the arm 25 tobe depressed. However, if the tension of the spring 40 is such as to hold the coin gripped'between the locking bar and the coin box so that it is necessary to provide some means for releasing the coin from this position to permit it to fall into the coin box, such releasing construction is illustrated as comprising an additional lug 44 extending forwardly from the locking bar36 through a second slot 45 formed in the front wall of the coin box to a position at which it will be engaged by a cam 46 carried by the plunger I 6.

It will also be observed that the cam 46 is formed upon an upstanding arm 41 which may be formed integrally with the web IQ of the plunger it so that when the plunger is moved downwardly the cam face 46 will be moved downwardly at the same time. The lug 44 will therefore beengaged by the descending cam 46 and the lock bolt 3t will thus be moved to the left to a position further than is necessary to release the locking lug 35 and will therefore move the bolt 36 to a position releasing the coin 43.

From inspection of Figure 2, it will be observed that an extension 46 on the flange 24 is bent upwardly to constitute a sign indicating the denomination of the coin required for the operation of the machine, and it will also be observed that the coin slot 42 extends through the flange 24, the top wall 49 of the housing I and through a rearwardly turned flange 50 extending from the front of the coin box 3'! so that it is necessary to aline the slots in all of these members accurately to form the entrance passage for the coin. Any suitable device may be employed for the purpose of accurately alining these slots, though I prefer to extend a rod 5| from the rear of the container I to pass through openings;51" and 53 in' the coinbox 31 and into threaded engagement with a nut 54 rigidly secured to the front of the cover l4 so that by tightening-or loosening the-rod 5| the various slots may be brought-"into accurate alinement'. The rod 5| also constitutes a means for holding the cover M in proper assembled relation relative to the locking bolt 36 and the packages of matches 2 The coin box may be locked within the' container by any suitable means, though I- prefer that the locking device be readily accessible from the exterior of the container, and for this purpose I have illustrated a locking bar'55 as being formed from relatively hard length as to extend vertically tia'lly" the entire vertical height of the container I with an extending end 55 having an opening 57 therein alineable with a downstruck'lug 58 formed upon the base-6 of the container to permil; the insertion through both the locking bar and the lug of a suitable lock 59. f

By referring particularly to Fig. 7, it will be observed that partition member 1, which di vides the casing or container longitudinally, is fornied from a single strip of material bent upon itself as indicated at 68 to present a smooth, outer end employed in loading the machine, as will be hereinafter described, the two adjacent sections El and 62 of the partition strip 1 each being offset as indicated at 63 and 64 to form a vertical opening 55 through which the locking bolt 55 extends so that when the bolt is inserted through the slot it is held against any for Ward or backward movement. Preferably the bolt 55 extends cf the coin box 3? adjacent the rear end there or" so that when in place the locking bolt re tains the coin box within the container until the lock 55 is removed and the b'cltwithdrawnl In operating the machine thus far described, the cover l4 may be lowered to the position shown in Figure l. The coin box 37 beingin place, defines with the partition I a pair of elongated chambers ready for the reception of packages of matches.

It will be understood by those skilled in the of spaced vertically from the base 6 of the container, as at 65, so that the bottom of the carton may readily be inserted into the container. The partition member 1 will enter between the two lines of matches in the carton, and thus the contents of the package or carton may be pressed into the machine and then the carton may be withdrawn, leaving the matches in proper relation within the two elongated chambers formed by the partition I.

It will be observed that during the loading operation the thumb-nut l3 should be loosened and the slide 6 pressed rearwardly as far as it will go and the thumb-nut then tightened to hold the spring 9 against forcing the matches forward during the loading operation. After the loading operation the cover I4 may be swung to the posithrough a slot in the bottom tion shown in Figure 2, the thumb-nuts l3 for each of the lines of matches may be released to permit the spring to direct the lines of matches forward ready for ejection by the plunger [6. All that is necessary is to deposit a coin in the slot 42 to release the locking bolt from engagement with the operating arm 25 and the plunger may be depressed to eject two books of matches at the same time. The plunger in descending will release the cam 46 against the locking bolt 36 and will release the coin which, up to this time, has been held between the end of the bolt 36 and the side of the coin box.

As soon as pressure is relieved from the arm 25, the plunger will be restored to its normal vertical position and will be locked therein by the locking bolt 36 ready for successive operations.

By referring particularly to Figures 4 and 5 and 6, it will be observed that a similar machine may be employed for free dispensing of match books, the form of the invention shown herein including substantially the same assembly of apparatus, except the coin. box and the locking device.

By referring again to Figures 4, 5 and 6, it will be observed that the container I is constructed in the same manner as described with reference to Figure 1, having a base 6, a cover M, a guide 32 along which the books of matches may be ejected. Again, the container is divided by a partition I to form the two chambers receiving two lines of matches.

In view of the fact that the ejection of matches is to occur without the requirement of payment, I prefer to provide separate plungers for each line of matches, these being designated by the reference characters 16 and II in Figure 5. Each of the plungers Ill and H is preferably constructed in the manner described with reference to the plunger I6 and each is provided with its own operating lever 12 and 13, respectively, so that either of the plungers may be operated independent of the other to eject a single package of matches.

In this form of the device, the cover I4 is illustrated as being hinged at 14 in the same manner as described with reference to Figure 1, the cover being held in place by means of any suitable device, (such as that illustrated at 15), as comprising a spring secured as at It to the top 49 of the housing I and extending forwardly to be provided with an upstanding pin 11 which is adapted to-pass through the opening '58 in the top 49 of the container, and also through an opening 19 in the rearwardly turned flange 86 formed upon the cover 14. Preferably a second pin 8| is provided upon the spring I5 to extend some distance upwardly through the top 49 of the container so that by depressing the pin 8| the pin 19 will be released.

The operation of this type of the machine is entirely similar to that illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, with the exception of the requirement of the deposit of a coin.

If desired, the container may be employed upon the counter of a store and the top thereof may be used for the purpose of displaying other merchandise. For this purpose I have illustrated a tray 62 as being formed integrally with the container l into which may be deposited small articles, such as candy, chewing gum and the like, so that the space which is occupied upon the counter for the match dispensing machine may also be employed for displaying other merchandise.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not wish to be limited to any of the details of construction shown herein, except as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a device for dispensing books of matches that are thicker at one end than at the other, a container defining an elongated feed chamber for receiving a number of books of matches arranged on edge, an exit communicating with said chamber at the forward end thereof to permit books of matches to pass laterally from said chamber singly, an ejector at the front end of said container for reciprocal movement laterally of said chamber to press the foremost book of matches through said exit, said ejector comprising a plunger, one end thereof having a width not to exceed the smallest dimension of a book of matches and the opposed end having a width equal to the thicker portion of said book.

2. In a device for dispensing books of matches that are thicker at one end than at the other, a container defining an elongated feed chamber for receiving a number of books of matches arranged on edge, an exit communicating with said. chamber at the forward end thereof to permit books of matches to pass laterally from said chamber singly, an ejector at the front end of said container for reciprocal movement laterally of said chamber to press the foremost book of matches through said exit, said ejector comprising a plunger having a wedge-shaped cross section in the direction of movement of said plunger, the narrowest dimension of said wedge-shape being equal to the narrowest dimension of the edge of said book of matches, and the wider end of said wedge having a dimension equal to the widest dimension of the edge of said book of matches.

ALVIN LOVINGOOD. 

